The “Soul Train Awards” are back on BET!
Held in Chicago—the birthplace of Don Cornelius’s legendary show over 50 years ago—the star-studded night airs Friday, November 27 at 8:00 PM ET/PT. Presented by Spotify and Toyota, the ceremony will also make history with its first-ever simulcast on CBS, alongside BET HER, VH1, MTV2, and LOGO.
Backed by exclusive partners Spotify and Toyota, the legendary franchise returns to honor Black music’s generational impact. The upcoming broadcast will bridge past and present, celebrating the visionary icons and modern innovators who have carried the torch since Soul Train debuted in 1971. Lineup, host, and honoree details are coming soon.
“As a Chicago native, I’m proud to bring the ‘Soul Train Awards’ back to the city where it all originated,” said Louis Carr, President, BET. “Coming off a landmark year for BET, this return reaffirms what we do best. Bringing our community together around the culture, and connecting the artists who built this sound to the ones carrying it forward.”
Connie Orlando, EVP, Specials, Music Programming & Music Strategy, BET, also shared a statement.
“The ‘Soul Train Awards’ has always been the home for R&B and soul, and this year we’re reimagining the celebration with a bold new format,” said Orlando. “It’s about honoring the artists who shaped the genre while reinventing the night for where the music is headed.
THE HISTORY OF THE SOUL TRAIN AWARDS
Launched in 1987, the Soul Train Music Awards were created as an annual celebration of Black excellence in music. The ceremony honored top talent across R&B, soul, hip-hop, and gospel. Arising from the iconic television show that revolutionized music broadcasting starting in 1971, the ceremony gave Black artists a dedicated national platform at a time when major mainstream award shows largely overlooked their achievements.
In its early decades, the telecast was famous for its distinctive trophy—a traditional African ceremonial mask symbolizing cultural heritage—and featured legendary hosts such as Luther Vandross, Dionne Warwick, Patti LaBelle, and Gladys Knight.
Over the years, the awards evolved to reflect shifting musical landscapes. After a brief hiatus in 2008 following production changes, the event was revived under BET Networks